Burglars ransacked a city library before stealing computers and electronic equipment.

Several computers and scanners were stolen from Rhiwbina Library after thieves broke in through a rear-door panel.

The library’s main staff desk area was also left in a mess and a till was damaged following burglars raided the building on Saturday night.

Most of the library was closed off to the public yesterday as police continued to investigate the incident – which happened between 9.40pm and 10.05pm.

Officers have now appealed for anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

Rhiwbina councillor Adrian Robson said: “I am absolutely devastated that the library has been targeted in this way. It is a much-loved and used resource with one of the highest footfalls in the city, and it is going to cause much disruption for the residents.”

Speaking about the thieves who carried out the attack, Coun Robson said: “I don’t think they realise the impact it has on the local community when they carry out crimes like this.

“They probably see the library as an easy target. The council needs to make sure it has tightened and checked its security policies accordingly.

“I hope that these people who carried out this are caught as soon as possible and are given appropriate sentences.”

Cardiff council said it expected the whole of Rhiwbina Library to be reopened today.

In a statement a Cardiff council spokeswoman said: “Unfortunately there was a break-in at the library on Saturday, which has been reported to the police.

“Most of the building is closed to the public today and will remain so until the police have completed their investigations.

“There is currently access for the public to return stock using the Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) machines, and the public PCs and children’s area are also available.

“We hope to open the rest of the building tomorrow and members of the public can keep up to date by following the council’s twitter account @cardiffcouncil.”

A South Wales Police spokesman said: “Police in Cardiff are investigating a burglary at Rhiwbina Public Library which occurred sometime between 9.40pm and 10.05pm on Saturday, February 16 .

“If anyone has any information concerning this incident or who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the area, please contact Cardiff Bay Police station on 101 quoting reference 62130049260.”